What Reel Should I Ask Ms. Santa to bring me with a Shiny New Sage One Rod?

I'm going to ask Ms. Santa for a new setup. I already know i want to ask for a Sage One 5 wt. But I'm having difficulty deciding which reel to ask for. First I had three ideas. Then after a second trip to the local fly shop I went to five possibilities. I just got back and think I'm down to two now. The five were 1. Sage 4250 in bronze 2. Hatch 4 Plus Finatic (Clear with Green) 3. Waterworks LS2 II Litespeed 4. Waterworks F2 X SL ULA Force 5. Galvan T5 in bronze. The two I think I have it narrowed down to are the Galvan and the Hatch. I really wanted USA made (just wanting to support USA manufacturing). I decided the Waterworks reels were just a little too industrial for my current tastes. Any suggestions among the last two for matching to the Sage One.

Re: What Reel Should I Ask Ms. Santa to bring me with a Shiny New Sage One Rod?

Yikes, I hope you didn't ask too late! I think my wife had most of her shopping done by October Sorry I can't help with your decision as I've never handled those reels; good names though so you probably won't be disappointed with either one. Especially good choice of rod!

Re: What Reel Should I Ask Ms. Santa to bring me with a Shiny New Sage One Rod?

So Rob, you're new here........ Welcome to the forum. Generally we don't make out too well with getting people to buy what we tell them too. But, Abel & Bauer are American made and although I like both makes I don't own any. That is always subject to change any year though. There's also Ross I think they are still USA reels.

Re: What Reel Should I Ask Ms. Santa to bring me with a Shiny New Sage One Rod?

One of the main things I would consider in a sub-three ounce rod is matching it up to a reel that is also light in weight. A Nautilus FWX at under 4 ounces would make for an awesome rig. Besides Nautilus, Lamson makes some nice, light, American made reels. Hardy and Sage market good, light weight reels too if point of manufacture doesn't matter to you.

Re: What Reel Should I Ask Ms. Santa to bring me with a Shiny New Sage One Rod?

My first pick for a 5wt would be an bel Super 5N, second would be a Hatch Monsoon 4+. I am actually in the market for a new 5wt reel for a rod I am putting together and the four reels on my shopping list are the Super 5N, Monsoon 4+, Nautilus FWX 5/6 and the Galvan T5. To be honest I would be happy with any of them, my choice will most likely be decided on which one I can find for the best deal.

Re: What Reel Should I Ask Ms. Santa to bring me with a Shiny New Sage One Rod?

I have several Galvan Torques, including the T5. Great reels and virtually bomb-proof. I have also heard great things about the Finatic and the FWX. All great reels, it may just come down to price, weight (I think the FWX is the lightest and the Finatic is the heaviest), and aesthetics. Many shops will include a free line with any of these reels. Good luck and Merry Christmas!